• by Masha Geller , August 17, 2001

A few days ago, one of the cable news channels aired a segment on teachers and students and how computers are changing the dynamic between the two groups - when it comes to computers and the Internet, most students know more than their teachers and that's a scary reality of the times we live in.

Well, maybe all's not lost in the quest to reach and capture the attention of students and the younger generation in general. If the latest Nielsen//NetRatings report is any indication, schools and especially colleges are trying to catch up with the times and their efforts are certainly appreciated.

"Today, university websites are moving away from the static content sites of the past by automating many administrative functions, enabling students to sign up for classes, search library resources and access class material," said Sean Kaldor, VP of analytical services, NetRatings. "University sites capitalize on the immediacy of the Web, providing a virtual classroom where learning extends beyond the lecture hall, after normal school hours."

The report shows that traffic to university websites skyrocketed at-home during the week ending August 12, as students returned to school and accessed college sites.

Harvard.edu commanded the No. 1 spot among university sites, spiking 76% to 244,000 unique visitors, compared to 139,000 visitors the previous week. Taking the No. 2 spot, University of Wisconsin Madison (Wisc.edu), attracted 202,000 visitors, jumping 40%.

Cornell.edu drew 197,000 surfers, rising 37% from 144,000 surfers the previous week. Texas A&M University (Tamu.edu) surged 36% as traffic to the site rose to 182,000 visitors. Rounding out the list, University of Michigan (Umich.edu) drew 267,000 surfers, spiking 32% from 203,000 surfers the week prior.